IDS 122First Year Learning In Communities Seminar Spring 2010.


Instructor: Nuusa Faamoe
Office: Fell 383
Office Hours: by appointment
Phone: 438-7604
Email: ntfaamo@ilstu.edu

I. Course Overview

The intent of the First Year LINC Seminar is to assist first semester students in their transition to the University community, and understanding how to maximize the resources provided at Illinois State. The seminar helps students acquire academic skills necessary for success in college in a small seminar environment. The three major themes addressed in the seminar include: 1) successful transition to and within the University; 2) major/minor and career exploration; and 3) issues and problems that impact the public.

II. Student Outcomes

By the conclusion of this course, students will:
1. Develop an increased awareness of campus services (i.e., tutoring, counseling, advising).
2. Identify and better understand issues and problems that concern the public.
3. Better understand their academic plans and goals.
4. Better understand their potential career goals and aspirations
5. Develop better critical thinking skills

III. Student Expectations
Written Assignments—All written assignments are expected to be grammatically correct. Specific instructions are given for each assignment in handouts and through in-class instruction.

Citations—Any and all work or ideas taken from another person or entity must be appropriately cited. Students may use either MLA or APA formats as appropriate citation styles.

Code of Conduct—All LINC students are expected to familiarize themselves with and abide by the Illinois State University Code of Student Conduct: http://www.deanofstudents.ilstu.edu/downloads/crr/code-of-student-conduct.pdf. Particular attention should be paid to Section V, Part B regarding Academic Dishonesty.

Reasonable Accommodations—Reasonable accommodations will be provided to any student with a documented disability who follows the procedures as outlined by the Office of Disability Concerns: www.disabilityconcerns.ilstu.edu

Course Assignments—Students are responsible for any and all schedule or assignment changes announced in class.

Cell phones, iPods, and other electronic devices - Out of courtesy for all those participating in the learning experience, all electronic devices (cell phones, pagers, etc.) should be turned off or set to silent prior to the start of class. Students should also refrain from using their cell phones to send and receive text messages during class. The use of iPods/mp3 players at any point during class is strictly forbidden.

IV. Attendance and Participation Requirements

Attendance and Participation—Participation and attendance are essential to success in this course. Participation points will make up a portion of your grade, and points lost due to missed classes cannot be made up. Three or more unexcused absences will cause your final grade to be lowered by one letter grade.

Weekly Readings & Assignments—the readings in this seminar are intentionally brief. Most assignments and activities require some preparation outside of class and all require in-class participation. The assignments, activities, and discussions are designed to address the three major themes of the seminar and to hone basic communication and critical thinking skills.Once again, the three major themes addressed in the seminar include: 1) successful transition to and within the University; 2) major/minor and career exploration; and 3) issues and problems that impact the public.

V. Assignments

Art of Emailing (5 points)
Seven Deadly Sins of Students (5points)
Festival ISU (10 points)
Milner Library (10 points)
Service Learning (10 points)
Scavenger Hunt (10 points)
Navigating the Catalog (10 points)
Time Management (10 points)
Degree No Longer Assures Success (10 points)
Career Exploration Reflection (10 points) .
Artifacts (5 points)
Who I am makes a difference ( 5 points)
Service Learning Project (15 points)
Scholarship Assignment ( 10 points)
Participation (15 points)

TOTAL

VI. Grading Scale
A = 90—100
B = 80—89
C = 70—79
D = 60—69
F = 59—0